Translated material
"We'll keep our fingers crossed"
Dmitry Medvedev led the Russian team to the Olympics
The St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace is opened only on very special occasions, such as the inauguration of the president or official visits of foreign heads of state. Yesterday in this hall, President Dmitry Medvedev gave a farewell to the Russian Olympic team for the Summer Olympics in Beijing.“The Russian team will demonstrate real sporting qualities in Beijing. Forward, Russia! Good morning! Good luck to you and everyone!” - Apparently, the president decided that it was necessary to talk to athletes with slogans and chants so that they could understand it more clearly. “There is reason to expect bright victories. In recent years, the collection of Russian sports awards has become even more significant. Let’s not make predictions, we will root with all our hearts, keep our fists and believe in victory,” he admonished the team.
The entire Russian team of 850 people came to listen to the president's parting words. Almost all the athletes were in the same uniform that in a week and a half they will wear at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Among the athletes, the owner of “Bosco” Mikhail Kusnirovich, who dressed the entire team, stood out, patriotically dressed in the official Russian sports uniform, as well as the head of the “Renova” group, Viktor Vekselberg. He, however, came in civilian clothes.
In their response to the president, the athletes wished themselves to listen to the Russian anthem to their heart's content. Perhaps at least this will help them finally remember his words. “I would like to wish that the Russian anthem is played as often as possible in Beijing,” said world synchronized swimming champion Svetlana Romashina. She was also supported by the captain of the Russian national basketball team, Andrei Kirilenko. He called the feelings that the athlete experiences at the sounds of the anthem indescribable. “I want to experience them again and again,” said the athlete. The President understood him easily. “You can rest assured that the feelings that we experience, looking at how you rise to the podium, are also incomparable,” Mr. Medvedev assured the audience.
Feelings are feelings, but yesterday sports officials also hinted at a possible increase in the amount of reward for Olympic medals, which, no doubt, should further enhance the pleasure of listening to the anthem. Minister of Sports and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko called the “real amount” 90 thousand euros for each gold medal winner, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov even spoke about 100 thousand. However, the final decision must be made by the prime minister.
The President said nothing about possible gifts. But the Olympic team did not come empty-handed. Dmitry Medvedev received a Cheburashka - the symbol of the Russian Olympic team, as well as a sports jersey with his own name and number “08”. Apparently, the Chinese belief in the magic of the number eight was passed on to its Russian partners. It is not for nothing that the opening ceremony will begin on August 8 at 8 hours 8 minutes and 8 seconds in the evening.
After looking at the president, the Olympians went to the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin for a prayer service for victory. It was served by Bishop Ambrose of Bronnitsy with the blessing of Patriarch Alexy II. “Millions of people will worry and pray for you during the Olympic competitions. We believe that you will bring many gold medals to Russia and strengthen its name, which is already embossed in golden letters on the pages of history,” Bishop Ambrose wished the athletes and introduced the rector of the Moscow Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi, Archpriest Nikolai Sokolov, who will go with them to Beijing . Each athlete received an icon as a gift.
The President, meanwhile, held a separate meeting with the head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Leonid Tyagachev. “The athletes will try to ensure that you can come to the final,” Leonid Tyagachev promised the head of state. By the way, this is Mr. Medvedev’s only chance to visit Olympic Beijing - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will go to the opening of the Olympics. “The world saw the Russian President in Beijing (Dmitry Medvedev visited China on an official visit at the end of May - Ed. ), and now I would like to see the victories of our Olympians,” the head of state retorted. The head of the ROC presented Mr. Medvedev with a badge depicting the national flag and Olympic rings. This is the official badge of the Russian team. Dmitry Medvedev promised to wear it every time he cheers for our team.